We do not charge for apprenticeships, but we do have a structured program. There is a lot of competition to get a spot. Apprentices are guaranteed a booth to work within if they pass a complete apprenticeship program and pass an apprenticeship exam. Any apprentice who poses a health code risk or a gross violation such as theft will not be permitted to continue their apprenticeship and will be excused. We offer this list in order to validate the completion of apprenticeships.

Verifying Completed Apprenticeships

Interested in an Apprenticeship at The Shop?

Compile a Drawing Portfolio

If you are interested in a future apprenticeship, you will need to work on a drawing portfolio. It’s best to have your drawing portfolio ready to go. Tattoo apprenticeships are competitive and they don’t take long to fill usually. Your drawing portfolio should consist of about 30 designs that would be specific for tattooing. If you can demonstrate mastery of drawing fully finished, hand-drawn, non-digital designs in multiple genres (EX: Neo-Trad, Folk-Art, American Traditional, Dotwork, Illustrative, Realism, Geometric, Trash Polka), you will be more likely to be called in for an interview.

Check Your Social Media & Your Overall Mindset

Are you frequently hostile and rude on social media? We will probably notice. If we do, you won’t be chosen as an apprentice. Are you hateful, bigoted and racist on social media? We will probably notice. If we do, you won’t be chosen as an apprentice. Our apprentices are expected to conduct themselves with a basic level civility because our shop consists of six different businesses (individual artists own their own businesses) all in one shared space. It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist or some other political affiliation. We don’t care about that, but we don’t really want to be exposed to or have our clients exposed to people who are hostile, racist or generally mean. Our business motto is “be kind.” I’m sure you understand. Keep in mind, you can try to cover up your social media, but if you end up being a bigot or have a super negative mindset, you won’t ever complete your apprenticeship.

Should You Practice Tattooing On Fake Skin Before Your Apprenticeship?

The Shop prefers to take on apprentices who have never practiced tattooing before. Part of an apprenticeship is guidance on choosing and properly using quality supplies and equipment, so anyone with aspirations to apprentice down the road should avoid purchasing and using tattooing equipment. You are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship if you have never used a tattoo machine before. Please do not practice tattooing (not even on fake skin or fruit) outside of a licensed facility in order to avoid picking up improper habits. We do not train apprentices unless there is a booth available to offer them.

Applying For A Tattoo Apprenticeship At Our Tattoo Shop

To apply for an apprenticeship or to be put on a list to be contacted should a booth become available, please fill out the form below.